Where we’re headed, roads (or pipes) still matter. Scaling smart water systems isn’t just about doing things bigger and faster; it’s about getting the foundation right first: robust sensors, reliable IoT, and data you can trust. In this hands-on workshop, attendees explored ways to drive net-zero progress, optimise efficiency, and future-proof your assets, among other important topics.
It was unconference-style, thriving on the collective expertise of participants, creating a space for open dialogue and an unfiltered exchange of innovative ideas. Participants walked away with practical tools and strategies to help enable water utilities to scale smart, not just hard.
SWAN Members can login to the SWAN website to access all the Workshop materials. Conference Attendees can access the materials HERE.
AGENDA – May 27th
9:00–9:15 Workshop Welcome & Context
- Meena Sankaran, Founder and CEO (KETOS)
9:15–9:35 Keynote: “Why Smart Infrastructure Projects Need ‘Dumb’ Humans”
- Christopher Aaslund, System Architect (Oslo Municipal Waterworks) – View Bio
9:35–10:35 Panel: “Scaling Up Asset Success Stories & Lessons Learned”
Moderator: Siya Bashe, Director: Commercial Services within Water and Sanitation Directorate (City of Cape Town, South Africa)
- Aisling Buckley, Innovation Technical Lead (Uisce Éireann, Irish Water, UK) “Innovation Under Uncertainty: Uisce Éireann’s Path to Net Zero through Structured Methodologies”
- Peter Hedberg, General Manager (Mioty Alliance) “How to build a scalable and future proof IoT infrastructure”
- Calum Rodger, Transformation Project Manager (Scottish Water, UK) featuring a Xylem case study & Najam Kazmi, UK Water Sector Lead (Capgemini Invent) “Amazon-Inspired Efficiency and Proactive Monitoring: Revolutionising Scottish Water’s Pump Management”
10:35–11:00 Networking & Refreshments Break
11:00-11:45 The ‘Big Brain’
Attendees will propose and vote on discussion topics on the “Big Brain” (a big board with all of your great ideas). There will be 3 set topics and 3-4 voted upon topics at the event. This is your chance to propose and facilitate a session!
Set Topics & Facilitators:
- That’s the Power of Net Zero
Facilitated by Carmen de Miguel, Strategic Marketing Manager, Water & Wastewater Segment (Schneider Electric) & Jesús Mateos Robledo, Head of Network Infrastructure (Canal de Isabel II, Spain) - I Want Data Quality That Way
Facilitated by Ingemar Clementson, Business Developer Smart Water (Sweco) & Adriaan van Horenbeek, Chief Product Officer (Timeseer.AI) - We Built this Network on IoT
Facilitated by Robbert Lodewijks, CEO & Co-Founder (HULO) & Dirk Husselman, Product Owner IoT (Dunea, Netherlands)
11:45-12:15 Interactive Roundtables (Part 1): The Vision
Role-playing as a utility, what does scaling success look like? (e.g. performance criteria, expected outcomes, maturity capabilities, fit for purpose).
12:15-13:15 Lunch Sponsored by Schneider Electric
13:15-14:00 Interactive Roundtables (Part 2): The Challenge
What are your stumbling blocks towards achieving this vision? Please narrow down to one challenge statement.
14:00-15:00 Interactive Roundtables (Part 3): The Solution
How can we solve this challenge? Please develop a tangible outcome with key recommendations to share with the wider group (e.g. roadmap, diagram, new bestseller book) – extra points for creativity!
15:00–15:30 Networking & Refreshments Break
15:30-16:15 Share Your Group Insights + Launch of SWAN Energy Community Decarbonisation Maturity Framework!
Share findings with all attendees after a productive day. All outputs will be made available for any Conference attendee to view.
16:15–16:30 Closing Remarks
Thank you to our Sponsor!
